Senior benefits in Rowan County, North Carolina

The Centralina Area Agency on Aging is the Area Agency on Aging for Rowan County (Salisbury). It is the local entry point that connects older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities to in-home aide services, home-delivered and group meals, transportation, family caregiver support, benefits and insurance counseling (SHIIP), and the Medicaid in-home care waivers. Services are aimed at adults 60 and older, with priority for those in the greatest need. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-508-5777 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps income-eligible Rowan County households pay heating bills, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a heating or cooling emergency or shutoff is imminent. Both are run locally by the Rowan County Department of Social Services. Households where someone is 60 or older or has a disability can apply early each season (starting in December), and all other households apply starting in January until funds run out. Apply online at ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov), or contact Rowan County DSS at 704-216-8330.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury is the main hospital serving Rowan County. Its financial assistance program offers free or discounted care to lower-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients, based on a review of household income and family size compared with the federal poverty guidelines. Financial counselors can help complete the application, which can also be submitted by mail or through the MyChart patient portal. Call the Novant Health financial navigator line at 1-844-266-8268 to apply or ask questions.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$18,000 a year

Helps veterans of any age stay safely at home instead of in a long-term care facility. The veteran gets a monthly budget for long-term services and supports and can hire, schedule and supervise their own caregivers — family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Available to veterans enrolled in VA health care who meet the clinical criteria for long-term services and supports. To get started, talk to your social worker or primary care provider at your VA Medical Center; they confirm eligibility and start enrollment. Centralina Aging: 704-372-2416 or 1-800-508-5777.

Rowan Transit System (RTS) is the public, demand-response transportation service for Rowan County (Salisbury). It provides curb-to-curb rides for medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and essential errands, with wheelchair-accessible and ADA-compliant vehicles. The standard fare is about $2.00 per one-way trip, and riders served through grant-funded programs (including older-adult and disability transportation assistance) or Medicaid may ride at reduced or no cost. Rides are scheduled in advance; call RTS at 704-216-8899 to set up a trip.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year